(GILBERT, Ariz.) The Gilbert Christian cross country team enters the 2025 season with fresh energy, strong leadership, and a deep sense of purpose. Guided by experienced captains and fueled by a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the Knights are prepared for a fall filled with growth, grit, and God-honoring competition.

"We have a number of things to be excited about this year," Head Coach Amy Ford said. "Our captains led all of July's summer workouts, welcomed our newcomers, and set the tone for a season of accountability and joy. This is a team that truly cares for each other, and we are ready to chase big goals together."

On the boys' side, senior co-captain Chaucer Tutty brings experience and great energy to the squad, with humor and a light-hearted spirit that keeps practices fun despite the grueling heat and demanding training regimen. Junior Asa Jones joins Tutty at the helm, setting the pace in early-morning workouts, and inspiring the squad with his consistency, and work ethic.

"Our captains provide a great balance," Ford said. "Chaucer has that special senior wisdom, and is loved by all. Asa has God-given talent for the sport, but this year I see a new spark in him, and a laser-focus. He's out there leading by example, and inspiring the other guys to push themselves."

Look to junior Kodi Bell to step into big shoes on the girls' side, following a summer of impressive mileage and mentorship from 2024-25 XC captain and recent GCHS graduate Addison Bisceglie.

"Kodi has fully embraced cross country as her sport," Ford said. "She knows that this is her year and she is ready to shine. Her steady training and positivity have created a powerful team culture, and she's pouring into others in the way that she's been poured into."

Supporting the captains are a core group of returners who are stronger and faster, following training on the track last spring.

Fans can expect Vaughn Sees, Jacob Shields, Alexa Swearingen, and Ellia Pittenturf to crank up the pace and post new personal records in 2025.

Bradley Craven, Brie Mackey, Charlotte Bisceglie, and Aubrey Charvat also return to the team, bringing experience, friendship, and a drive for more personal breakthroughs.

The roster also welcomes an exciting wave of new talent from various sports across campus. Luke Bennett, an 800m and 1600m standout on the track, begins his first cross country campaign, while Gianna Licea, a senior and natural athlete, makes her own leap from sprints and jumps to distance running. Jace Morey, joins the squad to build endurance for the winter soccer season, while adding depth to the strong boys' team.

The freshman class brings big promise in 2025. Huron Track Club veterans McKay Pacheco, Austin Back, and Weston Ford are expected to be immediate contributors for the boys, while multi-sport athletes Shiloh Swearingen and Maci Gast strengthen the girls' roster with toughness and athletic versatility.

On the coaching side, Coach Ford and longtime assistant Stacey Loth are joined by Corbin Pile, a collegiate runner at Mesa Community College and former high school standout. Pyle brings firsthand competitive experience and will focus on strength, mobility, core, mental training, and heat acclimation, providing the Knights with a unique edge.

With a distinctive blend of leadership, experience, and fresh energy, the XC team is built for fast times and lasting impact. The Knights are chasing PRs, and purpose, in 2025.

The season is scheduled to begin at the Chandler Invitational on Saturday, August 30th (7:10am). The meet will be held at Tumbleweed Park.